Transylvania

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Transylvania is the largest region of Romania. It is also the westernmost region, the most prosperous, and perhaps the best known.

[edit] Regions

Timis

[edit] Cities

• Braşov/Kronstadt/Brassó
• Cluj-Napoca/Kolozsvár/Klausenburg
• Petroşani
• Sibiu/Nagyszeben/Hermannstadt
• Sinaia
• Sighişoara/Segesvár/Schässburg
• Oradea/ Nagyvarad
• Timişoara/Temesvár/Temeswar/Temišvar
• Arad
• Lunca_ilvei
• Tirgu Mures / Marosvásárhely / Neumarkt

[edit] Other destinations

• Maramures
• Apuseni Mountains, Huedin and surrounding villages
• Ciucea
• Păltiniş
• Poeinari Castle
• Retezat National Park
• Szeklerland, Tg. Secuiesc, M.Ciuc

[edit] Understand

Even though some people may only associate the name with tales of bloodthirsty vampires, Transylvania is actually known as one of the most beautiful natural regions in Europe dotted with picturesque, medieval fortress towns and monasteries and lively cities with stunning baroque architecture which offer modern tourism services at a price far below that of, say, Germany or France.

Transylvania has all the history and multi-ethnic culture you want. Although part of Romania, the history of Transylvania has more to do with German Saxons and the former Austro-Hungarian Empire, as far as administration is concerned. However the population has been and remains overwhelmingly Romanian.

[edit] Talk

Nowadays, almost everyone in Transylvania speaks Romanian, though for many of the ethnic Hungarians -- about 20% of the population, but far more in certain areas -- Hungarian is actually their first language. Few native German-speakers remain, but in any sizeable town you should be easily able to find people who speak at least moderately good English, French, or German.

[edit] Get in

Transylvania is relatively easy to access, due to its relative economic prosperity, tourism industry and proximity to Central Europe.

Trains from many other countries stop at various cities in Transylvania. There are also IC train connections to/from Bucharest and Budapest.

By plane you can access the main cities like Cluj Napoca, Tirgu Mures, Timisoara. The main companies are: Malév, Tarom, Wizzair, Carpatair. You can

check their website.

[edit] Get around

• Transylvania Triangle Train Tour
• Maramures and the Mountains Tour

Transylvania is a must see destination for people travelling in this part of Europe. Trains are usually the best way to travel between major Tramsylvanian cities and touristic destinations. However, many of the region's landmarks lie hidden from major transportation routes, so it is recommended you either rent a car or take buses to these places.

You can find great and detailed road maps in any gas station throughout the country, in train stations and in most newsstands. These detailed road maps can lead you anywhere, without much guidance needed. Be careful though for secondary and tertiary roads are not clearly marked, so sometimes you have to ask for directions. People are usually very friendly and will help you get to the destination of your choice.

Buses are becoming a popular means of transportation in Transylvania. Usually, they leave from train stations in major cities, and stop in the central area of smaller ones.

[edit] Eat

• Sarmale

• Mici

• Ciorba de Burta - tripe (cow stomach) soup. Tastes better than it sounds!

[edit] Drink

• Ursus Black beer - a medium-bodied, dark lager arguably ranking among Eastern Europe's premier drinks

• Bergenbier - a rich, German-style lager extremely popular throughout Romania

• Stejar beer - A 7% strong beer with a distinct taste

• Lacrima Lui Ovidiu - a nice, sweet Romanian wine, available in supermarkets for around 20 lei.

• Dracula Beer - a kitsch beer sold to foreign tourists, around Bran Castle as well as supermarkets, noted for it's remarkably unsavory flavor.

• Ciuc beer - One of the best beers part of the Group Heineken

[edit] Stay safe

Transylvania is not a land of dangers lurking around each darkened corner. It houses a relatively large bundle of police headquarters, so that if anything goes amiss in your journey, help will be close by.

On the other hand, especially in heavily touristed towns like Sinaia, there will be some con men out to prey on tourists. Beware of the "maradona".

[edit] Get out

WikiPedia:Transylvania

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